Escape to Maine with the premier outdoor adventure resort in New England! As the pioneers of whitewater rafting in the Northeast in 1976, Northern Outdoors is Maine's first, largest and most experienced river outfitter. They are very proud of the reputation their Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead River whitewater adventures have earned as the most popular and exciting rafting trips in the Northeast. The rafting experience is both invigorating and inspiring, and the combination of whitewater action and Maine's stunning wilderness tranquility is unmatched.
"Since 1976, over a quarter of a million guests of all ages have made Northern Outdoors their outdoor adventure resort."
Northern Outdoors has made sure that you don't have to suffer to enjoy the great outdoors. Their two resort centers are some of the finest in the outdoor adventure business and include the widest range of amenities sure to please all interests. Their paddle tennis court is a great way to burn off a little energy, or you may prefer to quietly paddle a canoe on their private lake. You can choose to work out in their well-equipped exercise room, or just relax in the sunshine on their spacious outdoor deck. It's the perfect spot for unwinding with a cold, hand-crafted beer brewed at their own Kennebec River Brewery. Whether it's a dip in the heated pool, soaking in the hot tub, or a lively game of volleyball, it's all yours to use free as a guest of Northern Outdoors.
Whether you relish the adventure of riverside camping or prefer the creature comforts of your very own private lakeside cabin, their extensive choices of accommodations are second to none.
In addition to their exciting whitewater rafting, Northern Outdoors also offers a year-round variety of outdoor adventures, including lake kayak touring, rock climbing, fishing, and snowmobile rentals and tours. So, whether you're a family, group of friends, or a company needing an outing, let Northern Outdoors put their 27+ years of experience and know-how to work in providing you with the best adventures New England has to offer.
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| Rated Classes: | II-III |
| Season: | June - August |
| Miles Rafted: | 15 miles in 1 day |
| Trip Type: | Paddle |
| Age Limit: | 8 |
| Meal Plan: | One-day trip (lunch included) |
| Price Range: | $51 - $92 per person |
| Trip Summary | |
These special trips are offered on select weekends during the summer. Bring the whole family. On these dates the Dead will be flowing at 2,400 cubic feet per second...perfect for Northern Outdoors' compact six-person rafts. This 15-mile guided raft trip is loaded with plenty of action-packed rapids and is perfect for families with younger kids who don't meet the age requirements of some of the other river adventures. | |
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| Rated Classes: | III-V |
| Season: | May - October |
| Miles Rafted: | 15 miles in 1 day |
| Trip Type: | Paddle |
| Age Limit: | 15 |
| Meal Plan: | One-day trip (lunch included) |
| Price Range: | $122 per person |
| Trip Summary | |
With more continuous whitewater than any other river in the East, highwater rafting on the Dead always provides unparalleled action. On your heart pounding wilderness adventure, you'll raft 15 miles of turbulent waves and Class IV and V whitewater from Grand Falls to the confluence with the Kennebec at The Forks, just five miles upstream of their Resort Center. At the conclusion of your trip, enjoy the warm comforts of the Lodge, a cookout, and a slide and video presentation of your adventure. Guests are advised to book early to ensure their place on these popular trips, as the Dead River has earned a unique reputation from whitewater fans. | |
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| Rated Classes: | III-IV |
| Season: | May - October |
| Miles Rafted: | 12 miles in 1 day |
| Trip Types: | Paddles or Oars |
| Age Limit: | 8 |
| Meal Plan: | One-day trip (lunch included) |
| Price Range: | $85 - $122 per person |
| Trip Summary | |
Famous for its remote wilderness setting, BIG roller coaster waves and summer long flows, the Kennebec is easily the most popular river in the Northeast. From its source at Indian Pond, the river carves its way through a deep, rock-walled gorge on a breathtaking 12-mile journey to The Forks, just five miles upstream of their Resort Center. Ideal for beginners or experienced rafters, their Kennebec whitewater adventures feature a hearty noon-time riverside cookout, the opportunity to try out your river skills in their inflatable kayaks, and plenty of time to swim and enjoy the scenery. Rowing frame rafts can be arranged for younger children or older adults. | |
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| Rated Classes: | II-IV |
| Season: | June - September |
| Miles Rafted: | 24 miles in 2 days |
| Trip Types: | Paddles or Oars |
| Age Limit: | 8 |
| Meal Plan: | Multi-day trip (all meals included) |
| Liquor: | BYOB for evening |
| Price Range: | $159 - $244 per person |
| Trip Summary | |
Travel the full 24 miles between Moosehead Lake and The Forks on one of their most popular adventures. Starting at East Outlet, you'll use four-person Guide-Your-Own rafts to run three miles of relatively easy Class II and III whitewater, accompanied by guides who lead the way, offer instruction and river running tips. At lunchtime, the rafts are beached as you enjoy a scrumptious riverside picnic before spending time body surfing, swimming and tubing in the drops and pools beneath Ledge Falls. Later that afternoon, you will motor six miles down Indian Pond and set up overnight camp by the side of the lake. Hors d'oeuvres are prepared, a campfire is built and the guides create a magnificent lobster feast as prelude to a lighthearted evening of stories, jokes, their infamous wilderness sauna, and perhaps even a moonlit dip in the lake. The next morning, after an early breakfast, you motor the remaining three miles to the southern tip of Indian Pond, where you'll begin the exciting twelve mile descent of the Kennebec Gorge. | |
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| Rated Classes: | I-II |
| Season: | June - September |
| Miles Rafted: | 5 miles in 1 day |
| Trip Type: | Paddles |
| Age Limit: | 8 |
| Inflatable kayaks available for experienced and inexperienced paddlers: | Yes, with instruction provided |
| Meal Plan: | 2 hour trip (lunch not included) |
| Price Range: | $10 - $20 per person |
| Trip Summary | |
From Harris Station to The Forks, the Kennebec River earns its reputation as one of the premier whitewater rivers in the East, with its roller coaster waves and steep gorge walls. In contrast, the river below The Forks meanders at a much slower pace, ideal for those who want to spend a couple of hours carelessly drifting with friends or splashing around with their family. Departing the Lodge daily at 1:30 p.m. their popular float trips are designed to let you set the pace. They provide all equipment, including one or two person inflatable kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and shuttle transportation to The Forks. The rest is up to you...simply sit back and let the current gently carry you the five miles back to the Resort Center as you enjoy the scenery and soak up the sun. | |
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| Rated Classes: | III-V |
| Season: | May - September |
| Guest Capacity: | 80 |
| Miles Rafted: | 15 miles in 1 day |
| Trip Type: | Paddles |
| Age Limit: | 12 |
| Meal Plan: | One-day trip (lunch included) |
| Price Range: | $85 - $122 per person |
| Trip Summary | |
One of the most spectacular and challenging adventures in the East, the Penobscot enjoys a reputation as a river of contrasts, as it alternates between exhilarating rapids and breathtaking scenery. The adventure starts at Ripogenus Gorge, where the river is at its most turbulent, dramatically dropping over 70 feet per mile through a narrow, granite-walled canyon into the Exterminator and Staircase rapids. The excitement continues as you travel 14 miles through a series of steep drops and calmer stretches on your descent under the shadow of Mt. Katahdin, Maine's highest peak and the dominant centerpiece of Baxter State Park. Each Penobscot whitewater adventure features a delicious noon-time riverside cookout and the chance to swim in the cool, clear waters of the Penobscot. Throughout the day you may spot moose, osprey, or bald eagles, all common sites in this high mountain country. | |